EA Insists Its Loot Boxes Are Not Gambling As Regulators Clamp Down

Despite gambling regulators clamping down on loot boxes in video games, EA CEO Andrew Wilson insists that the publisher does not consider the likes of FIFA Ultimate Team packs gambling.

"We don't believe that FIFA Ultimate Team or loot boxes are gambling," he said during an investor call. "Firstly, players always receive a specified number of items in each FUT pack, and secondly we don't provide or authorise any way to cash out or sell items or virtual currency for real money."

Wilson also addressed the sale of in-game items through third-party sites, which has become the crux of some arguments for loot boxes as gambling: "While we forbid the transfer of items or in-game currency outside [the games], we also actively seek to eliminate that where it's going on in an illegal environment. And we work with regulators in various jurisdictions to achieve that."

Exit Theatre Mode

He added that EA is "always thinking about" its players and "how to deliver these types of experiences in a transparent, fun, fair, and balanced way.”

Wilson says EA is "working with all the industry associations globally and with regulators in various jurisdictions and territories, [and] have established that programs like FIFA Ultimate Team are not gambling."

The ESRB is tackling the problem by warning consumers about microtransactions like season passes, loot boxes, and virtual currency in games with the addition of a new "In-Game Purchases" label on boxes.

It's imperative for EA to keep microtransactions in its games, given that the company saw a $1.25 billion growth in revenue year-on-year last quarter despite not having released any major new titles.

Shabana is a freelance writer who enjoys JRPGs, wine, and not finishing games. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.